The application period for the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) program opens at noon Eastern Standard Time, October 2, 2024 , and closes at noon, Eastern Standard Time, November 5, 2024 . We strongly encourage DV program entrants to apply early!

Important information for intending applicants:

• Applying is FREE: There is NO FEE to enter the DV Program.
  • Consultants Not Necessary: The U.S. Embassy recommends against using a consultant to assist you with your application.  Please consider using a family member, friend or other trusted person if you need assistance.  No matter who provides assistance, you are solely responsible for your own application.
  • Apply online: Entries for the 2026 Diversity Visa Program must use the electronic Diversity Visa entry form (E-DV) at https://dvprogram.state.gov/  during the registration period.
  • Entire family on application: When registering, you must list your spouse and all of your unmarried children under the age of 21 including stepchildren and adopted children under the age of 21 at the time of application. Submissions without the inclusion of family members will make your entry invalid.
  • One application per person: You may submit only ONE application. Applicants who submit more than one application will be disqualified from consideration.
  • Submit a recent photo: Entries submitted with the same photo from previous DV years will be disqualified.  Be sure to precisely follow the photo rules and associate each photo with the correct person on your application.  Please note that applicants may not wear glasses in their photos.
  • Passport: In prior years, the Department asked applicants to provide information from a valid, unexpired passport at the time of DV entry.  Entrants are no longer required to have a valid passport at the time of submitting their DV entry.
  • Be sure to print and save your confirmation number: This number is the only way to check your status.
  • Never give your confirmation number to anyone.
  • The only method of determining whether you were selected for the DV is by entering your confirmation number at https://dvprogram.state.gov/  on or after May 3, 2025 .

Required Documents:

1. Valid Passport: A valid passport is required to complete the online application. However, you can also provide passport details, including the passport number, issuance date, and expiration date.
2. Recent Photograph: A recent passport-sized photograph that meets the U.S. visa photo requirements. The photo must be uploaded during the application process.
3. Personal Information: Information regarding your name, date of birth, gender, and country of birth, as well as your contact details.
4. Education/Work Experience: Details regarding your educational background or work experience, as you must meet the education or work experience requirement to qualify.
5. Family Information: Information about your spouse and children, including their names, dates of birth, and photographs, even if they are not applying for the visa with you.
6. Other Information: Additional personal information, such as your mailing address, phone number, and email address.
7. Eligibility Details: Information regarding your eligibility, including details of any previous applications or entries in the DV lottery.

Entrants must provide an e-mail address as part of their entry; however, there is NO e-mail notification sent to selectees informing them they were selected.

Even if you are selected, this does not guarantee that you will receive a visa. If you do get a visa interview, a Consular Officer will determine whether you meet the qualifications and are eligible for the DV under U.S. immigration law.  For a checklist of what to bring to the interview, please visit: https://go.usa.gov/xRuzM. 

Please refer to the 2026 instructions at usvisas.state.gov/dv/instructions. 

For further information on the DV program, please visit https://dvprogram.state.gov/